Friday, April 3, 2015

Hicks proves to be a game changer, and is now piling the offers

Jamal Hicks of Narbonne (Harbor City) dazzled the spectators at Passing Down's So Cal regional on March 29 by combining his blend of size and speed on the field; which led to six interceptions on the day (photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna).

He ended his day shining bright on the football field - just like the lettering on his shirt.

Hicks - a Class of 2016 prospect from Narbonne High in Harbor City - used his angle pursuits, reaction skills and speed to emerge as one of the top defenders at Passing Down’s So Cal regional on March 29. The 6’3” Hicks collected six interceptions on the day for his squad Gamechangers L.A.

Hicks rumbles down the field after snatching an interception during pool play of the Passing Down So Cal regional held at Fontana's Ralph Lewis Sports Park (photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna).

“I just like competition. I love to play the game and I want to prove that I’m the best out here,” Hicks said.

When the Friday night lights beam down on him at Narbonne, Hicks becomes the tall safety chasing down the ball or the rugged defender burying his shoulders into anyone who dares to cross his way. He doubles as a ball-hawking defensive back and intimidating hitter for NHS.

The junior has received comparisons to Kam Chancellor from people who’ve watched him in the Los Angeles region. Ironically, Hicks idolizes the star safety from the Seattle Seahawks.

“He’s aggressive. He’s a monster on the field. And I turn into a monster on the field,” Hicks said.

At the So Cal regional, Hicks closed quick on the ball and used both hands to snatch the rock. He also showed his speed after the pick and became a scoring threat on defense.

Hicks, though, acknowledges that he’s still trying to build his game, which was why he linked up with former University of Oregon wide receiver James Finley and his team Gamechangers L.A.

“Right now, I’m working on my coverage skills, mainly in man coverage,” Hicks said. “My biggest factor is man-to-man skills. I need to work on my hips more too.”

Hicks is one of Gamechangers L.A.’s top college prospects; with four scholarship offers from Nevada, Colorado State, UNLV and Hawaii in his possession.

He said he’s not rushing to make a decision yet.

“This is a really important aspect of my life, so I have to really look into it,” Hicks said.

He adds that those scholarship offers motivate him to emerge as one of California’s top game-changing safeties.

“I’m hungrier than ever,“ Hicks said. “I know I can play with the best of them. I just have to work hard every day.”